Published: Thursday, 13th March, 2008 10:00am

Bright spark Gavin's date with Princess

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SUCCESS: Gavin celebrates with mum Morag and dad Alan

A trainee electrician from Helensburgh has been crowned Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year.

Gavin Jeffrey was presented with his prize by Princess Anne at a glittering awards ceremony and celebratory dinner at the Trades Hall last week.

The 20-year-old beat off tough competition from five other finalists to scoop the top spot. Gavin received an inscribed cup - which will remain on display in the Trades Hall - an inscribed replica, a cash prize of £500 for further study and a certificate.

Gavin, a third-year apprentice electrician with BAE Systems, was put forward for the award due to his positive approach to the modern apprenticeship and pro-active drive to be involved in apprentice associated projects, both in and out of his normal working week.

He was part of a team of apprentices who designed an aid for those suffering from lymphodema. Their design was placed second in a national charity competition and Gavin presented it in the local heats and national finals.

While working towards completing his apprenticeship in August this year, he is currently funding the first year of an HNC in electrical engineering and is attending evening classes at Anniesland College.

Commenting on the awards and dinner, Ian Dunsmore, Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow said: 'Our warm congratulations go to Gavin and each of the finalists, whose commitment and capability in furthering their careers through the modern apprenticeship route have been recognised by our awards initiative. We were delighted that HRH The Princess Royal accepted our invitation to present these awards, particularly as she has always shown a keen interest in the development of skills amongst young people. Her presence at the dinner has not only delighted our award-winning young adults, it has also helped reinforce the status of modern apprenticeships in the workplace today.'

Two runners up, apprentice joiner Mark Lynch, 20, and apprentice wood machinist Stephen Millar, 20, of City Building (Glasgow) LLP, were each awarded £250 and a certificate.

The three remaining finalists, apprentice draughtsman Lauren Beck, 22, of BAE Systems, apprentice painter and decorator Finlay Leith, 21, of City Building (Glasgow) LLP, and Simita Kumar, 20, who took up her administration apprenticeship with Glasgow City Council – Credit Union, each got a certificate of commendation.

Now in its second year, the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year Award highlights the vocational and personal benefits modern apprenticeships provide.

The initiative aims to reinvigorate its efforts in raising the profile of traditional trades alongside more modern skills, especially at a time when Scotland badly needs more skilled men and women.